Don't know your local paper?

From little things, big things grow

Green World Revolution farm manager Danial Watson with some of the produce grown on site. Picture: Andrew Ritchie www.communitypix.com.au d407156

The Green World Revolution (GWR) farm was started last year by Toby Whittington with an aim to highlight the positive effects of urban and suburban horticulture.

‘We established GWR to help solve environmental and urban social problems using horticulture as the vehicle,’ he said.

‘Urban agriculture seemed a logical first step as a way to convert under-utilised urban space into productive green islands in the city.’

The bright greens and purples of the leaves, herbs and micro-greens being grown at the farm are a stark contrast to the surrounding buildings on the light industrial strip.

While the farm is somewhat hidden, the local community and restaurateurs who know about it are supplied with a range of produce grown seasonally.

‘This area of Perth is perfectly located on the edge of the CBD, and hosts a great mix of residential, commercial, warehouse and empty properties that are ideal for the development of urban agriculture,’ Mr Whittington. ‘From this end of Perth, it is really easy for us to get our produce into the City via bicycle straight down the cycle path and easy for people to visit us via the public transport network.’

He said the produce, mainly leafy greens, grown at the farm were chosen as they sprouted quickly and could provide regular supply to restaurants.

‘Food miles are becoming a big issue around the world, so it is important for us to grow seasonal produce; generally out of season produce has to travel from further away,’ he said.

Farm manager Danial Watson, of Yokine, said urban farming could provide an outlet for many people.

‘We spend so much time doing jobs to earn money to buy food and other things to support ourselves,’ he said. ‘If you can provide one of the essentials of life, be that food, water or shelter, without getting your wallet out, then your psychological wellbeing will benefit.’

Mr Whittington said he was hoping to develop similar farms at other under-utilised spots including on rooftops in the Perth CBD and Northbridge.